Geisinger Community School of Medicine Virtual Event Raises Money for Student Scholarships

The Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSoM) Black Ties for White Coats event was held virtually this fall and raised in excess of $260,000 in commitments.

Proceeds from the Gala support student scholarships and, this year, the creation of the Dean Steven J. Scheinman Endowment for Student Scholarships, in honor of Dr. Scheinman who is retiring at the end of December after serving for nine years as GCSoM’s dean.

“Finances are the number one barrier to medical school education and these funds will help break down those barriers for GCSoM students and build up the medical care we offer to our community and beyond,” said Virginia McGregor, chair of GCSoM’s Board of Directors.

In addition, the Gala honors community members, and past students and faculty who have made an impact on and spread the school’s values to the greater community. The 2021 honorees are highlighted with videos on the Gala’s event website, go.geisinger.org/gala2021. Rachel Brutico-Giannotti, MD and her husband Dr. Vincent Giannotti, MD received the Founders honor. The pair met at the school in 2011 and both continue to practice medicine with Geisinger in northeast Pennsylvania.

Na Tosha Gaston, MD, PhD, FAAN received the Innovation award. Dr. Gaston has served as the assistant dean for equity and inclusion and as an associate professor of research and medicine at GCSoM. Alana Roberts, regional affairs director of PPL Foundation accepted the Well-being honor on behalf of the foundation. PPL is a long-time supporter of GCSoM and is committed to education in science, technology, engineering and math.

Charles J. Bannon, MD, and his son Joseph “Jay” Bannon, MD, FACS, received the community honor for their longtime commitment to the school. Dr. Charles Bannon was one of the Founders of the school while Dr. Jay Bannon has served the school in many roles during his career.

Dr. Scheinman gave a special thanks to the donors and sponsors for the event.

“I am sincerely grateful to our donors and sponsors for your dedication and commitment to our students year after year and for supporting this year’s virtual celebration,” he said. “It is wonderful that we can offer generous financial assistance from philanthropy, and for that, we cannot thank you enough.”

There is still time to contribute to the Dean Scheinman Scholarship Endowment to recognize his years of service to the school and honor his retirement. Visit the Gala site (go.geisinger.org/gala2021) for more information and to view the Gala program book and videos from all of the honorees.

Marion Munley Presents at New Jersey Association for Justice Boardwalk Seminar 2021

Munley Law is pleased to announce that Marion Munley recently used her expertise in trucking law to speak to the New Jersey Association for Justice Boardwalk Seminar 2021, on “Discovery Issues in Trucking Cases.”

A champion of victims’ rights and the civil justice system for over 25 years, Marion is known for her compassionate approach to representing the catastrophically injured and her tireless devotion to her clients and their families. Triple Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Civil Trial, Civil Practice, and Truck Law, Marion has earned an AV-Preeminent designation from Martindale-Hubbell, the industry’s highest ethical and client satisfaction rating.

A leader in the legal community, Marion is an active member of the American Association for Justince (AAJ) and currently serves on the AAJ Board of Governors and on its Executive Committee. She was the first woman to become Chair of the AAJ Trucking Litigation Group in 2018 and is a past chair of the AAJ’s Women Trial Lawyers Caucus. Marion is the second woman in Pennsylvania to become Board Certified as a Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Among her other professional affiliations are the American Board of Trial Advocates, the International Society of Barristers, and the Summit Council, an exclusive group of todays top civil justice attorneys committed to the highest levels of trial advocacy, to obtaining justice for individuals and families who have been hurt by corporate wrongdoing, and to the protection of the civil justice system.

Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2012, Marion has been named the 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” for Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Last year, she was recognized as Best Lawyers® 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury-Plaintiffs for the Allentown metro area. Marion has also been selected to the list of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers for the last 18 years and has been consistently recognized as one of the “top 50 Women Lawyers in Pennsylvania” in Super Lawyers Magazine. A graduate of Temple University School of Law (J.D., 1986), Marion received her undergraduate degree from Scranton University in 1983.

Wolf Administration Releases First-Ever Litter Action Plan, Calls for Action Statewide

Governor Tom Wolf, the state secretaries for the departments of Transportation and Environmental Protection, Representative Mike Sturla and City of Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace joined other administration and community stakeholders today to highlight innovative local anti-littering measures and called for action to combat Pennsylvania’s litter-problem at all levels statewide.

The Wolf Administration released the state’s first-ever Litter Action Plan (PDF)–which reflects the work of more than 100 stakeholders from state and local government, businesses, the legislature, and more–and includes both current initiatives and recommendations to clean up the more than 500 million pieces of litter scattered throughout the commonwealth.

“Pennsylvania is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. It’s a beautiful state with stunning landscapes and bountiful natural resources. But, we’ve got a litter problem,” said Gov. Wolf. “Litter is bad for the environment and our communities, it’s a drain on taxpayer dollars. Today I’m excited to unveil a solution that all 13 million Pennsylvanians can be a part of, it’s a blueprint for a cleaner commonwealth.”

Demonstrating the cost of litter to communities and the commonwealth, PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian noted that the agency’s annual $14 million cost to clean up litter makes litter prevention especially important.

“We recognize we need to change behavior, not just clean up the mess,” Gramian said. “With this commonwealth Litter Action Plan, we’ve provided examples, resources, and calls to action so we can make some transformative change here in Pennsylvania.”

DEP has funded “Pick Up Pennsylvania” community litter cleanups and illegal dump site cleanups for over two decades, supporting volunteers in removing many tons of trash from the land and waters. As littering has persisted, DEP sponsored with PennDOT the first comprehensive state study to inform development of the Litter Action Plan, with a focus on changing littering behavior. 

“DEP is committed to helping drive a statewide shift to litter prevention,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “If we bring the same energy to litter prevention initiatives that thousands of volunteers have brought to cleaning up litter in their communities, we’ll turn a corner on Pennsylvania’s trash problem. And we’ll gain the community and economic benefits of a healthier environment.”

In addition to examples and suggestions for the General Assembly, local governments, businesses, and the public, the report outlines 16 recommendations for the commonwealth. Examples of actions state agencies are taking to support the higher-level recommendations in the plan include:

  • PennDOT, the Department of Community and Economic Development, and DEP collaboration on an anti-litter campaign anticipated for spring 2022.
  • PennDOT analysis of where and how to ensure it has the right litter-reducing tools in place in its public-facing facilities.
  • DEP work underway on a new rulemaking to provide convenient and affordable access to waste disposal and recycling services in rural areas of Pennsylvania where trash collection and recycling services are currently not economically feasible. 
  • The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is complementing their “Leave No Trace” program with working to update their concessionaire agreements to include language aimed at combatting litter, such as requiring food providers to minimize paper straw and disposable utensil use. And when onsite composting is available at a state park, concessionaires will be required to work with DCNR to convert as many of their food service products to compostable, paper-based forest product alternatives and then compost them with the food waste.
  • State Police continuing Operation Clean Sweep, which launched this summer and reinforces a zero-tolerance mindset with litter enforcement, while sharing anti-litter messages year-round. This complements their assistance with enforcing Litter Enforcement Corridors that – under a 2018 law – can be designated by the department and local governments to combat litter.
  • The Department of Education’s review of opportunities to further incorporate anti-litter curriculum into their environmental programming standards.
  • Fish and Boat Commission pilot projects, in coordination with DCNR, to properly dispose of fishing line.

“Lancaster residents and I recognize the importance of beautification in our community,” said Rep. Sturla. “We implement various innovative approaches to accomplish this aim, especially in significant litter reduction. Lancaster will continue to be a shining example of a city that respects and nourishes its environment.”  

The plan’s workgroups included 17 participants from local governments and among the group’s recommendations for local governments is the suggestion to “get creative with public waste infrastructure maintenance.” The plan and media event featured the City of Lancaster’s Tiny Can Project, which installs “tiny cans” (trash receptacles) every few houses on both sides of the street for an entire city block in three target areas. Residents who have a “tiny can” in front of their house will be responsible for emptying the receptacles on trash day and will dispose of it with their regular trash collection.

“Innovative solutions like the Tiny Can project in southeast Lancaster will help us boost community pride and strengthen our neighborhoods, block by block,” Mayor Sorace said. “We thank the Wolf administration for their leadership on this quality-of-life issue and are happy to do our part in tackling this challenge in Lancaster City.”

The event participants discussed the need for statewide action from all levels to address littering as a cost and quality of life issue. The plan’s recommendations for the General Assembly feature several proposed changes to existing laws and three new proposed laws. Recommendations for businesses and the public will be continually shared through the workgroup participants moving forward.

DEP identifies many ways Pennsylvanians can be anti-litter at www.dep.pa.gov/litter.

PennDOT provides litter information and many additional litter cleanup volunteer opportunities, including Adopt-A-Highway, Litter Brigades, and more on its Roadside Beautification page.

Marywood University Honors Outstanding Alumni at Recent Alumni Weekend

During its recent Alumni Weekend, Marywood University welcomed graduates back to campus to celebrate, including alumni award winners. Due to the pandemic canceling last year’s event, the 2020 and 2021 honorees were recognized together at the in-person awards luncheon on campus in late October. Awards and honorees included the following:

Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni Award is bestowed by the Marywood Alumni Association upon alumni who have achieved distinction through their professional accomplishments and contributions, embodying the core values of Marywood and demonstrating dedication to service and responsible leadership.

Distinguished Alumni Awards were presented to:

● Cathy Gerard ’70
● 2nd Lt. R. Michael Maritato ’11, M.S. ’14
● Muriel Scherr Cagney ’69

Alumni Achievement Award

The Alumni Achievement Award is bestowed by the Marywood Alumni Association upon alumni who have attained outstanding success in their field, related to their major, which embodies the core values of Marywood and demonstrates dedication to service and responsible leadership.

Alumni Achievement Awards were presented to:

● Mary Philipp ’80
● Jeffrey R. Kovaleski ’98

Recent Alumni Award for Professional Achievement

The Recent Alumni Award for Professional Achievement is given to alumni, within 15 years of graduation, who have demonstrated significant professional achievements and responsible leadership, embodying the core values of Marywood.

Recent Alumni Awards for Professional Achievement were presented to:

● Diana D’Achille ’14
● Stanley J. Kania III ’11, M.B.A. ’14, Ph.D. ’19

Golden Marywooodian Award

The Marywood Alumni Association bestows the Golden Marywoodian Award upon a member of the 50th honor year class, who has demonstrated a commitment to community and civic service. Recipients have distinguished themselves in their career and/or professional field with a record of making a difference in the lives of others, demonstrating engagement through volunteerism as well as setting a standard for lifelong excellence, embodying the core values of Marywood, including Respect, Service, Empowerment, Catholic Identity, and Excellence.

Golden Marywoodian Awards were presented to:

● Michele Abbott McDade ’70
● Patricia A. Lawler ’71

Sister M. Denis Donegan Award for Long Term Service to Marywood

The most prestigious award given by the Marywood Alumni Association, The Sister M. Denis Donegan Award for Long Term Service to Marywood, is bestowed on a graduate who has provided a minimum of 25 years of service to Marywood and who, through personal and professional contributions, has visibly embodied Marywood’s mission by using their Marywood education in ways that demonstrate the University’s call to live responsibly in a diverse and interdependent world. The actions and contributions of each recipient support Marywood’s core values of Catholic Identity, Empowerment, Service, Respect, and Excellence.

The Sister M. Denis Donegan Award was presented to:

● Ann Boland-Chase ’7

The Wright Center Launches Lifestyle Smartwatch Program with AllOne Charities’ Giving Tuesday

The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement is launching a new high-tech program with the support of AllOne Charities’ annual Giving Tuesday on Tuesday, Nov. 30 that will provide long-term benefits for patients with chronic health conditions.

Held annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, AllOne Charities is sponsoring Giving Tuesday to incentivize supporters of regional nonprofit organizations and agencies to support their favorite charities through this special fundraising effort. AllOne Charities boosts fundraising efforts by matching the first $1,000 raised by each participating charitable organization and also offering an additional incentive of $1,000 each for the organization that raises the most money and secures the most unique donors.

Donations can be made in support of Giving Tuesday beginning Thanksgiving Day. All donations made from Nov. 30 until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 1 will be eligible for the bonuses from AllOne Charities.

The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement is purchasing the Fitpolo H709 smartwatch for patients who could not otherwise afford them. The smartwatch uses built-in features to track and monitor key aspects of the user’s life for a personalized health care data experience. The mobile technology features full touch screen capabilities that can also be accessed via a smart mobile app. The smartwatch’s life assistant monitors in real-time the user’s heart rate, steps, blood pressure and more. The watch collects data and transfers it to the patient’s electronic health records with the assistance of Humhealth technology that features 4G, Bluetooth integration.

The overall goal of the smartwatch program is to improve patient education, understanding, engagement and implementation of a healthy lifestyle. With remote patient monitoring, primary care providers are able to see how their suggestions have had a positive impact on their patients’ overall health, according to Dr. Jignesh Y. Sheth, The Wright Center for Community Health’s chief medical officer and senior vice president.

“Gathering data in real time and compiling it is beneficial for our providers and residents as the entire empanelment team will have access to their medical data in between visits instead of just monitoring them at their office visits,” Sheth explained. “With the help of technology, we, as care providers, will be able to remotely monitor patients’ activity level, calorie intake and other vital data necessary for effective lifestyle change.”

The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement serves patients in a five-county region through The Wright Center for Community Health’s eight primary care practices in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wayne counties. The fundraising effort for Giving Tuesday will benefit the new Lifestyle Medicine program’s initiative to provide select patients who have chronic illnesses with healthy lifestyle smartwatches.

To support the new initiative on Giving Tuesday, go to allonefoundations.org, scroll down and click on the Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement logo.

“By donating to The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement, and contributing to our smartwatch campaign, you’ll be helping some of our patients to manage chronic diseases, like diabetes and high blood pressure,” said Laurie LaMaster, associate vice president of The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement, “and provide our care teams with the data they need to serve our patients more effectively.”

The smartwatches program is part of The Wright Center for Community Health’s Lifestyle Medicine program that was introduced in 2020. The initiative works to prevent and reverse chronic debilitating diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and hypertension, by focusing on healthy lifestyles based on the six pillars of health: nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, relationships and the avoidance of risky substances.

For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health’s Lifestyle Medicine Program, call the Scranton Practice at 570-941-0630 or go to thewrightcenter.org/services.

Meals on Wheels Community Services of NEPA Joins Meals on Wheels America and Subaru of America, Inc. in Sharing the Love This Holiday Season

Meals on Wheels Community Services of NEPA is proud to announce that it will be participating in the 2021 Subaru Share the Love Event as a member of Meals on Wheels America – one of four national Share the Love charitable partners supported through the campaign. From November 18, 2021, through January 3, 2022, Subaru of America will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased to the customer’s choice of participating charities.

Participating Meals on Wheels America members, like Meals on Wheels Community Services of NEPA, will receive a share of the donation raised by Subaru in their state. Meals on Wheels Community Services of NEPA has partnered with Minooka Subaru in Minooka to raise awareness for the popular year-end sales and giving event, and drive support for Meals on Wheels.

“Meals on Wheels America is proud to partner with Subaru of America for the 14th consecutive year to enable more seniors to live with independence and dignity,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO, Meals on Wheels America. “Since 2008, the Subaru Share the Love Event has helped deliver more than 2.5 million meals and friendly visits to vulnerable seniors nationwide. We’re enormously grateful to Subaru and its retailers for their long-standing commitment to Meals on Wheels and the millions of seniors who depend on it for nourishment and companionship.”

Over the last 13 years, Subaru of America and its participating retailers have donated more than $200 million to its charity partners. This year’s Subaru Share the Love Event is on track to bring that total to over $225 million, proving there’s no limit to the amount of love we can all share.

By purchasing or leasing a new Subaru during the Subaru Share the Love Event and selecting Meals on Wheels as your charity of choice, you can help deliver nutritious meals and other important services to seniors right here in NEPA.

For more information, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/sharethelove.

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses Available for All Adults at Geisinger

Following recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Geisinger is offering booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccines for all adults. 

People can get their booster dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine beginning six months after receiving their second dose for non-immunocompromised patients. People who are immunocompromised can receive their booster after their third dose. The booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is half of a single dose (0.25 milliliters). The booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is the same dosage (0.3 milliliters) as a single dose.

People who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to receive a booster dose of any of the COVID-19 vaccines two months after their initial J&J dose.

If you’re unsure if you qualify for a booster or have any specific questions, contact your doctor.

You can make an appointment for a first, second, third or booster dose of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at Geisinger through MyGeisinger or by calling 570-284-3657. Appointments are available at the vaccine centers at the Geisinger Health Plan Building near Danville, Geisinger CenterPoint in Jenkins Township, Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital and Geisinger Lewistown Hospital. Appointments are also available at Geisinger Philipsburg and Geisinger Pharmacy locations in Dallas, Danville, Lewistown, Lock Haven, Mount Pocono, Pottsville, State College and Scranton.

Remember to bring your COVID-19 vaccine card or proof of having received the vaccine to your appointment. More information about the COVID-19 vaccine is available at Geisinger.org/COVIDVax.

As a reminder, no visitors are permitted for outpatient appointments, unless medically necessary, and masks must be worn by everyone in all Geisinger buildings and facilities.

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center Begins Construction on Medical Office Building

Construction of a new Medical Office Building is underway at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, a development that will make better health easier for patients in Luzerne County by allowing for growth of specialty services on the hospital campus and increased appointment availability. 

The 160,000 square-foot clinic space will be comprised of four floors plus a lower level and will house general surgery, vascular surgery, pulmonology, infectious diseases, neurology, pediatric neurology, neurosurgery, neurophysiology, otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat)/audiology, general internal medicine, nephrology and transplant outreach practices as well as laboratory and radiology services and a retail pharmacy.

Demand for these services is growing among residents of Luzerne County and northeastern Pennsylvania, and the Medical Office Building will reduce wait times for patients by allowing for program expansion, hiring of 20 new providers, and more appointments in these disciplines. As programs mature, the development will create approximately 70 jobs and provide for roughly 70,000 new patient visits each year.

“We are grateful that more and more of our friends and neighbors are trusting Geisinger with their care, and we know we have to continue to grow to make our services easier to use for patients in Luzerne County,” said Dan Landesberg, associate vice president of operations in Geisinger’s northeast region. “This is another step forward in bringing better health to our region by providing a more comprehensive spectrum of services on our hospital campus and allowing for in-demand services to grow with our community need.”

The services chosen for the Medical Office Building have inpatient and surgical components, so locating them near the hospital is a natural fit to accommodate patients and their care needs should their course of treatment require in-hospital care.

Services have also been grouped for patient convenience. Locating nephrology and transplant outreach services under one roof allows for better coordination for transplant patients who are cared for by both sets of providers. A growing pediatric neurology practice aligned with epilepsy monitoring and inpatient pediatrics at Geisinger Wyoming Valley allows patients in northeastern Pennsylvania to get all the care they need close to home and on one campus.

The office building will also feature:

  • Facial recognition technology for quick and easy check-in
  • More than 4,000 square feet dedicated to public education, community stewardship and supporting residency programs for training top-tier physicians and nurses
  • An adjacent, multi-level parking garage that will increase total parking by 12 percent and provide a convenient parking location for patients scheduled for care on the east campus

The Medical Office Building is expected to be completed by late 2023, and it continues Geisinger’s commitment to providing outstanding health care to patients and members in Luzerne County and northeastern Pennsylvania.